Saudi Arabia has announced Friday, April 21 as the day of Eid Al Fitr 2023, following the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal — which is the tenth month in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan — on Thursday.
With this announcement, Saudi Arabia is among the countries that will complete 29 days of fasting instead of 30.
Countries like Morocco, however, are set to announce Saturday, April 22 as Eid Al Fitr.
Celebrated every year by Muslims across the world after a month of fasting and efforts toward spiritual growth, Eid Al Fitr marks one of Islam’s holiest and distinctly celebrated festivals.
Muslims start Eid Al Fitr celebrations by donning traditional clothes and performing Eid prayers in the morning at mosques around the world.
The confirmation of Friday as Eid day in Saudi Arabia comes less than a week after the country issued a clarification statement to respond to concerns regarding the status of the Friday prayer should Eid fall on a Friday. Issued on April 12, the statement stressed that if Eid falls on a Friday, those who attend Eid prayers are granted permission not to attend the Friday prayers
Attending both prayers is encouraged, however, the Saudi ministry stressed, adding that those who do not attend Eid prayers, however, are not exempted from performing Friday prayers.
Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries in the Gulf region have also announced Friday as Eid Al Fitr.
